Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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VALLEY, Alabama - Texas-based
John Soules Foods announced plans for a production facility in Chambers County with a three-phase project that involves a total investment of $110 million and the creation of 510 jobs.

John Soules Foods said it has completed the purchase of a 266,000-square-foot facility in Valley for its new Alabama operation. During Phase 1 of the company's expansion, it will invest $70 million in the facility and add 210 employees.

The second and third phases of the expansion call for another $40 million in investment and the addition of 300 more jobs in Chamber County.

Among the 50 states, Alabama ranked ninth for inbound moves, with 57 percent of moves involving Alabama representing people relocating there. For Alabama, 986 moves were into the state, while 745 were outgoing.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The vibrant entrepreneurial tech scene in Birmingham is once again in the national spotlight, as
Target plans to buy local grocery delivery service
Shipt for $550 million in a blockbuster deal.

The retail giant, which announced the acquisition in December, said it will have a major impact on efforts to increase convenience for Target shoppers through affordable, same-day delivery across a variety of product categories.

For Birmingham, the move is the latest win for the city's burgeoning innovation sector,
which has attracted millions of dollars in new investment for tech-based startups.

Morgan County industries announced plans for adding 436 jobs during 2017, the county's Economic Development Association announced Friday.

Development officials said two new industries, 13 non-confidential expansions and five confidential expansions or equipment upgrades added $535,439,962 in capital investments in Morgan County, the largest amount of capital investment for the county in five years.

"These new jobs are direct from industries locating here or existing industries announcing expansion projects during 2017," said Jeremy Nails, president of the Morgan County Economic Development Association. "That number doesn't include the construction-related jobs or other jobs being created in the trickle-down effect from these industries. 2018 is looking good with these projects getting started."